Looking back
A decade ago when Loyola University Health System (Loyola) opened the doors to a new state-of-the-art facility, the CBCC was one of the first of its kind — a center where holistic clinical care for cancer patients was available and also integrated with cancer research and prevention. Being housed in the same location facilitates open exchange of ideas and collaborative efforts to transform what is learned through study into more effective methods of fighting cancer – bringing innovative bench research to practical bedside use.

The center, which not only bears the name of Cardinal Bernardin, but also his blessing (performed a short time before his death), introduced a leading-edge, multidisciplinary team approach to treating cancer. In one location, patients can see their surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists – any specialist needed to diagnose and treat their illness. Everyone involved in their care including nurses, aids and technicians is specially trained in helping cancer patients and their families.

At Loyola, we pride ourselves on going beyond the illness. “We also treat the human spirit’ is not just a catchy phrase. It is our commitment. And it is ever prevalent at the CBCC. Cancer patients have very specific needs, and the goal is to help them be prepared and make the best possible choices. This comprehensive approach also targets helping patients' families.

Last year, approximately 50,000 patients were treated at the CBCC.  More important than statistics are the patient stories themselves – some with happy endings and all inspirational – about courage and determination and faith. Successful outcomes are increasing – far more today than a decade ago.

Looking forward
Loyola's Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center will be the first in the Chicago area to provide a comprehensive approach to maintaining the person while treating the disease. Next spring, a new image enhancement center, made possible through a generous grant, will open within the structure on Loyola's Maywood campus. Complementary medicine including massage and acupuncture; personal services such as manicures and pedicures; items such as breast prosthesis, wigs and skin products specifically designed for cancer patients will be available. Nutritional counseling and supportive rehabilitation help patients address individual needs. Programs such as mindfulness meditation (see cover article) and pastoral counseling help relieve stress and maintain hope. Some of these services have been offered previously – some at different locations or through a referral system. Starting this spring, all these services will be available to cancer patients at the new image enhancement center. Consultations for all services will be offered free of charge.

Under the leadership of Patrick Stiff, M.D., director of Loyola's Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, continuous research, access to the newest cancer agents and multidisciplinary teamwork offer real advantages in cancer care. This effort is focused on each individual because Loyola's experts collaborate to develop a specific, comprehensive plan for each patient. It is a unique and careful approach that is bringing new hope and healing not only to the life of each cancer patient at Loyola, but also to cancer patients everywhere whose lives depend on new discoveries.

Watch Loyola Living for more details about the opening of the image enhancement center in the spring and check out our Web site at www.luhs.org and click on cancer.

Call (708) CAN – HELP to speak with an oncology nurse if you want information about cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment or clinical trials at the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center or assistance with making an appointment with one of our cancer specialists.

Loyola University Health System's (LUHS) cancer program ranked 41st in the United States according to U.S.News & World Report's annual America's Best Hospitals rankings of more than 6,012 hospitals nationwide.

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